Dog-Friendly Shopping in UK: Best Shops to Visit with Your Pup

With nearly half of UK households owning a dog, an increasing number of public places, shops, and businesses are welcoming our four-legged companions. This change reflects our growing desire to bring our pets with us everywhere.

In the past, it was common to see dogs tied up outside shops while their owners shopped inside. However, the value of dogs has increased significantly, and our bond with them has strengthened. Dogs have become family members, and most owners would never consider leaving their beloved pets unattended outside a shop. With dog theft on the rise, it's simply not safe to leave them alone in public places.

The Rise of Dog-Friendly Retailers

While most pet stores and many country pubs already welcome dogs, other retailers are catching on to this trend. More high street retailers are recognizing this shift and adapting to accommodate dogs.

Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly stores:

• House to Haven

• Pets at Home

• Decathlon

• Lush

• The Apple Store allows dogs into many of its UK branches, as long as they are well-behaved and kept on a lead (or carried if small enough, especially if it is busy).

• Hobbycraft allows dogs as long as they are kept on a lead and supervised at all times, but they may refuse entry if accommodating a customer with allergies.

• Dobbies requests that dogs be kept on a lead.

• Frosts

• John Lewis

  
  

More stores that are generally dog friendly:

• Pandora

• Fatface

• Mountain Warehouse

• Wren Kitchens

• DFS / Sofology - they don’t even mind if dogs hop up onto the sofa with you!

• Joules

• White Stuff

• Jo Malone

• Oliver Bonas

• Molton Brown

  
  

Other stores that allow dogs, at manager/branch discretion (always check before entering):

• Waterstones

• TK Maxx (dogs must be carried only)

• Homesense (dogs must be carried only)

• Currys

• Zara

• ScrewFix

• Halfords

• Wickes

• Superdrug (dogs must be carried only)

• Some banks, such as Metro, HSBC, and NatWest allow dogs in-store, but this is often down to the individual branch, so always ask first.

  
  

Individual stores may have different policies on dogs. Always double-check with the specific store before entering with your dog and respect staff if they ask you not to bring your dog in. Please also bear in mind that some of the stores may be in larger shopping centres that may not be dog friendly.

Tips for Shopping with Your Dog

Training your dog to be a well-behaved shopping companion is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience for both of you.

Basic Commands

Start by teaching basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "heel," which will help keep your dog calm and in control while you're in stores.

Walking on a Lead

Practice walking your dog on a lead, ensuring they stay by your side without pulling.

Socialisation

Socialise them in busy environments to get them used to the sights, sounds, and people they’ll encounter while shopping.

Positive Reinforcement

Bring treats and positive reinforcement to reward calm behaviour, especially when they remain composed in crowded areas or around distractions.

Be mindful that some dogs may try to mark their territory in new environments, so it's important to monitor them closely. If needed, be prepared to take responsibility and clean up any accidents, or pay for any damaged goods.

With patience and practice, your dog can become a well-mannered shopping buddy who is a paw-lite customer at any dog-friendly shop! Enjoy your shopping adventures together and cherish the moments spent with your furry friend.

Dog-friendly shopping UK

Shopping with dogs

Pet etiquette in stores

How to shop with your dog

Socialising your dog for shopping

Dog behaviour in shops